Renault Wind Concept Car

'The exterior combines the sensuality of flowing lines with the dynamism of chamfered contours. The interior is reminiscent of a well-fitting glove. The result is a breath of fresh air in the world of roadsters,' according to Patrick le Qu'ment, Renault's Senior Vice President, Corporate Design.

Wind's profile gives an impression of simplicity and consistency. It is made up of two defining lines. The first runs along the side of the car, curving into the front and rear wings and sweeping round the wheel arches.

The second line, even more apparent, envelops the cabin and underscores the impression of protectiveness.

The powerful headlamps also contribute to Wind's appeal. They extend along the bonnet, highlighting the car's dynamism with a streamlined, elongated shape. Despite their simple looks, the headlamps conceal complex technology.

A powerful jet of blue-tinted light flows through a long transparent tube stretching across vertical glass covers. The almond-shaped rear lamps continue the body silhouette with their sharp edge. Two powerful LEDs light up parallel glass covers, creating striking beams of light to the sides and rear.

The arc of the panoramic windscreen extends around the sides of the car with a curve that incorporates the side windows. The cabin can be covered with a triplethickness fabric roof including a rounded rear glass window.

The cabin is moulded around the driver and passengers. A large sheet of Sienna-coloured leather forms an enveloping cocoon. The pleated leather seats, Tobacco in colour, are elegant and comfortable. They are fixed, in tune with the 'roadster' spirit, while the steering wheel and pedal assembly are adjustable and fold away automatically when the door is opened for easier access. Two folding leather-covered rollhoops form an extension of the rigid structure to which they are fitted.

Wind is a 2+1 roadster. The central section linking the backs of the two front seats is made of carbon fibre covered in foam and leather. It can be unhooked andturned inside out, forming a saddle shape that provides a third seat in the rear of the car.

All the vehicle's controls feature an anodized aluminium finish for a muted look. In accordance with the 'Touch Design' concept developed by Renault over the past three years, they put the emphasis on ergonomics, simplicity and clarity. A circular, centrally mounted control panel provides access to each set of functions for communications, music, navigation and services by means of a button in the middle of the circle. Data is displayed on a screen at the top of the dashboard.

The gearbox mode selector is also in the centre of the dashboard and is designed to be ergonomic. Gear shifting takes place using a paddle on the steering wheel.

The design of the combined speedo-tachometer dial is both simple and sophisticated. With an anodized aluminium surround, it is cut into a glass cylinder. Data is displayed in both analogue (a needle indicating speed) and digital form.

Patches of blue followed by red move around the cylinder as the engine speed increases. In the left-hand door of the vehicle, a push-button cylinder incorporating the air conditioning controls swings out towards the driver to display the temperature in the cabin.